U.S. Resists Role for Iraq Cleric

By

Sam Dagher

Updated Oct. 6, 2010 12:01 a.m. ET

BAGHDAD—The U.S. ambassador to Iraq said any significant government role for radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's movement could affect Washington's ability to maintain a strategic partnership with Baghdad.

The Iran-based Mr. Sadr gave his backing last week to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for a second-term in office, bringing Mr. Maliki much closer to the parliamentary majority needed to form the next government, following...